On the Fourth of July – and the day before – officers and firefighters will be conducting patrols, focused on people using or possessing illegal fireworks, said Officer Mike Rowe, a Beaverton police spokesman. State law prohibits the "possession, use or sale of fireworks that fly, explode or travel more than 6 feet on the ground or 12 inches into the air," Rowe said.

Police will seize illegal fireworks, and residents could face arrest and criminal charges, Rowe said. People may also be held civilly liable for damages sustained from misusing fireworks, and parents may be responsible for damages their children caused.

Beaverton police ask people who wish to report illegal fireworks to call the county's non-emergency dispatch line at 503-629-0111.